The ASHA Leader - August 11, 2009 - (Page 21)

Health Care Reform from page 7 identified in the House bill as the National Health Care Exchange and as Gateways in the HELP bill. To participate, a health insurance provider must provide a basic package of identified benefits, including rehabilitative, habilitative, and pediatric services. The House bill would require insurance companies to cover well-baby and well-child services, including hearing services, equipment, and supplies for children under 21 years of age. The House bill also includes Medicare reforms—a two-year extension of the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process, reform of the Medicare physician payment formula, and expanded access to telepractice services. Medicare programs that promote quality and coordination of care. As of press time, there was considerable debate on both sides centered around financing and coverage issues. It’s unclear whether the original deadline will hold. Ingrida Lusis, director of federal and political advocacy, can be reached at ilusis@asha.org. For updated information, visit ASHA’s Health Care Reform Web site at www.asha.org/advocacy/federal/ HealthCareReform 2009. Speak Out on Health Care! Speech-language pathologists and audiologists have a significant stake in the debate on health care reform. Take this unique opportunity to speak out about the needs of your profession and the people you serve. During the annual August recess, members of Congress will travel home for a district work period. From Aug. 10 to Sept. 4, elected officials will be eager to hear from constituents about their desires and concerns, especially on the topic of health care reform. Visit ASHA’s “Take Action” Web site (www.asha.org/takeaction) to get contact information on your legislators. Ask members of Congress if a town hall meeting or other public forum is being held in your community—it’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and give your professional perspective about health care reform. Republican Proposal Republicans in the House and Senate have introduced the Patients’ Choice Act (H.R. 2520 and S. 1099). The legislation would remove tax benefits for employers that provide health insurance and, in exchange, provide a tax credit to non-Medicareeligible adults who purchase health insurance. Under the bill, each state would develop a Health Insurance Exchange, through which insurers would compete to offer coverage. Insurers would be required to offer a basic benefits package similar to that of the current Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan, which provides coverage to members of Congress and federal employees. The legislation would also require insurance coverage of all individuals regardless of pre-existing health conditions, allow low-income families to use Medicaid funds to help pay for private insurance, and enhance SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY Loyola's graduate programs in Speech Language Pathology prepare you for the professional world with outstanding academics and intensive clinical training. Accomplished faculty who know what it takes to prepare and flourish in the profession combine with hands on training opportunities in state-of-the-art interdisciplinary graduate training facilities. This approach provides you with valuable skills that assure you will become a highly qualified practitioner capable of leading and serving in a diverse and changing world. Visit our website at graduate.loyola.edu/slpinfo or contact us at 800-221-9107 x 5020. Resources For the most up-to-date information, visit ASHA’s Health Care Reform Web site at www.asha.org/advocacy/federal/ HealthCareReform2009. More information on health care proposals is available at several sites: • Administration: www.healthReform.gov • Senate HELP Committee: http://help.senate. gov/Hearings.html • Senate Finance Committee: http://finance. senate.gov • House Ways and Means Committee: http:// waysandmeans.house.gov • House Education and Labor: http://edlabor. house.gov • House Energy and Commerce: http://energycommerce.house.gov THE LOYOLA CLINICAL CENTERS Where preparation leads to success. The interdisciplinary graduate training facilities of Loyola University Maryland. • A community of practitioners and reseachers committed to individual and families and their needs. • Our institution offers a comprehensive approach to the intellectual, physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of our community. • Assisting people with their ability to develop, change and lead fulfulled and meaningful lives. For more information: 410-617-1200 www.loyola.edu/clinics August 11, 2009 http://www.asha.org/takeaction http://www.asha.org/takeaction http://www.asha.org/advocacy/federal/HealthCareReform2009 http://www.asha.org/advocacy/federal/HealthCareReform2009 http://graduate.loyola.edu/slpinfo http://www.asha.org/advocacy/federal/HealthCareReform2009 http://www.asha.org/advocacy/federal/HealthCareReform2009 http://www.healthReform.gov http://help.senate.gov/Hearings.html http://help.senate.gov/Hearings.html http://finance.senate.gov http://finance.senate.gov http://waysandmeans.house.gov http://waysandmeans.house.gov http://www.loyola.edu/clinics http://edlabor.house.gov http://edlabor.house.gov http://www.loyola.edu/clinics http://energycommerce.house.gov http://energycommerce.house.gov

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The ASHA Leader - August 11, 2009

The ASHA Leader - August 11, 2009
Contents
Four Members Elected to Board of Directors
Readers Respond
Audiology
Congress Begins Health Care Reform Debate
Medicare Private Practice Poses Concerns for Some SLPs
Custom Fit Your Marketing
Personal Music Players
From the President
Convention Preview
2010 Dues Change
Ethics in Private Practice
Missouri SLPs Win on School Retirement Issue
Classifieds
A Deluge of Human Kindness
First Person on the Last Page

The ASHA Leader - August 11, 2009